There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.

Ralph Nadar

Hope is defined in Wikipedia as  “an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: “expect with confidence” and “to cherish a desire with anticipation.” 

Over the last four years, I am sad to say that I have lost some hope and often wondered where compassion, empathy, and love has gone. I have spent countless nights in tears grieving the losses of innocent souls with no end in sight. I have hoped that our government would step up to the challenge and demonstrate that human lives are not disposable. I was faced with the stark reality that my life was irrelevant to those who swear an oath to be leaders and protectors of us all. Instead, science and truth were replaced with lies and hypocrisy. Masks can help stop the spread of the deadliest disease America has ever encountered leaving over 238 thousand plus dead. More deaths and more cases than any other country in the world. No action made America number one for deaths and counting. Our leaders never lead by example, never mandated masks and repeatedly lied about the medical reality the country faced. As the numbers rise and a record number of cases are reached every day, doctors and nurses who are literally giving their lives for this country are thrown under the bus. They are reported to be making money off listing deaths as covid related.  Every time I hear that statement, the thought of hope and unity crumbles a bit more into oblivion, dividing the country even more. 

I was heartbroken to see racism, sexism, and mass hatred for so many on display at levels I had never experienced but knew exists. It was as though I was living in a nightmare I could never wake up from. I never had time to relax because I was fearful of what would happen to my rights as a woman and the rights of those around me. I often wept in my mother’s arms telling her “I am too young to die” because I knew if preexisting conditions were scrubbed off the board which has been a dream of those in charge for over 4 years, was coming desperately close to being a reality. I could not afford to not have my diabetic supplies and seizure medication not covered by my insurance. I could not have that happen to my dad or anyone else. When a tax break for corporations that previously insured all of their workers was more important than improving our health care system, I felt despair and uncertainty about what my future held. 

However, when I heard the news that a woman VP who happens to be African American, Indian, and from a family of immigrants was selected along with a man who knows the reality of sickness and loss, who has poise, experience, and a heart for serving the American people and who will bring compassion, empathy, truth, and science back into the People’s House, I exhaled a deep sigh of relief. I cried tears of joy because I dared to hope again. I felt hope in my fellow Americans that we can prevail when we unite. I was hopeful that despite our differences we could find common ground to show that deep down we are a kind, loving, compassionate, and soulful nation. We remember where we came from and what we stand for: Moral courage, inclusiveness, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, opportunity, and tolerance. We may not always agree with each other, but I was starting to feel hopeful that we were working on making changes towards being more tolerant and respectful of one another. I know that Hope is usually a dream, but today of all days, I will bask in it and hold strong to it. Without hope, there is no future. 

Moral: 1) Every vote counts. 2) Work hard every day. 3) Your life is essential, and our leaders should do all that is necessary to protect it. 

Thank you for reading my blog. I understand it may offend some, but just know that I work daily with the developmentally disabled who need the government’s help to survive and your understanding and support. Feel free to leave a comment below or at zsmisadventures@gmail.com.